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How to Get People to RSVP to Your Wedding

Maybe you can avoid collecting late responses right before the big day!

One of the most frustrating parts of wedding planning for any bride or groom is waiting for the RSVP cards to arrive. It seems like nearly everyone who has gotten married has a story about guests who just refused to confirm whether or not they would be attending the big day. That’s why it’s often advised to make your RSVP deadline at least a week before you actually need your final head count, as you will certainly be chasing down responses from prospective guests past the deadline. But what if you didn’t have to suffer that fate? While it may ultimately depend on the potential flakiness of those you invite, there are some ways you might be able to encourage people to respond in a timely manner. Photo by Brian Leahy Photography; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events; Floral Design by Butterfly Floral & Event Design

One simple trick is to make sure your RSVP cards don’t actually say “RSVP.” Many people mistakenly believe that means they should only say if they are supposed to attend. Wording such as “Kindly respond by [the deadline]” may make the message more clear. You also want to make sure the deadline is clearly legible and obvious.

Providing multiple ways to respond can help as well. Using paper and online RSVPs is common nowadays, but if you choose to go the online-only route, consider including your phone number in case some older relatives are confused by the process or if younger relatives and friends not used to formal RSVP cards would rather simply send a text. For paper response cards, always include a self-addressed envelope with a stamp. The less work someone has to do in order to RSVP the better.

Depending on how big your guest list is, it’s possible you haven’t actually seen some of those invited in years. By staying in touch, whether via social media or in person, you’ll stay more top of mind and that can help people remember they need to RSVP to your wedding.